OKLAHOMA CITY — Center Willy Hernangomez, the young building block who was a first-team All-Rookie selection, found himself out of the rotation in the season opener Thursday versus the Thunder. As expected Enes Kanter started and Kyle O’Quinn got 22 minutes as the backup.
With 3:46 left, Hernangomez was put in during garbage time of the Knicks’ 105-84 season-opening loss. The Spaniard found out at the morning shootaround from coach Jeff Hornacek he wouldn’t be in the rotation and it’s about his lax defense.
“He told me be ready,” Hernangomez said. “I’m not worried about that.